The proposed bill, known as the "Defend the Guard Act," establishes new regulations regarding the deployment of the Wyoming National Guard into active duty combat. It asserts that the Wyoming National Guard cannot be released into active duty combat unless the United States Congress has issued an official declaration of war or has explicitly called forth the National Guard for specific purposes outlined in the U.S. Constitution. The bill emphasizes the importance of adhering to constitutional principles regarding war powers and mandates that the governor must comply with these requirements.

Additionally, the bill amends existing law by inserting a provision that states the National Guard may be ordered into service by the President of the United States, but only subject to the new regulations established in the Defend the Guard Act. This amendment clarifies the conditions under which the National Guard can be mobilized while ensuring that the deployment aligns with constitutional mandates. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 19-9-204